We began reading through a harmony of Matthew and Luke birth accounts of Jesus. We looked at a few debated issues, like whether Mary and Joseph wanted to stay in an "inn" but were turned away; whether December 25 was really the date of Jesus's birth, Christmas trees, the abbreviation Xmas, and who the "three kings of orient" are.

Why Christmas? Because of the incarnation. And why the incarnation? Because Christ came to reveal God to us, to die for us and rise again, and to call us to repent and receive life instead of judgment. The whole Christian faith is the reason for Christmas. Do not be a grinch that steals the real meaning of Christmas. And do not let the secular society define your belief and practice of Christmas!

The Bible has a lot to say about friends and brotherly kindness. Over 100 verses use the word friend. Being friendly and maintaining friendships are character traits of a mature Christian. A friend is someone attached to you with whom you have some affection or esteem. In this message we look at many examples of how the idea of friends is used in the Bible and remind ourselves along the way how we should be like those friendly souls. Jesus considered certain people as friends, and so whatever characteristics it takes to maintain good friendships, those should be ours as well.

Pastor Lorch encourages us to trust entirely in the Lord, to acknowledge God in all of our life, and enjoy the promise that God will direct our life.